Bike - one of the most popular modes of transport. Cycling develops and strengthens muscles, helps in developing a sense of balance of the child. How to choose the right model for your child, because the market offers a huge number of the most diverse models?
Today we’ll talk about bicycles with 16-inch wheels, tell you how old they are, and how to choose the best option.
Age restrictions
Bike transport with 16 inch wheels focuses on children aged 4 to 7 years. The growth of a small cyclist should be ranging from 110 to 116 cm - this will allow the child to stay confidently in the saddle, not to stoop strongly and not to overstrain. Do not buy models designed for older children - it will be difficult for your baby to maintain balance if the steering wheel and pedals are at an uncomfortable distance for him, therefore, the risk of falling and injuries increases sharply.
Of course, if your baby has already gone to school, but has not yet stretched to 115-116 cm, nothing prevents you from buying him a 16-inch model, because all the same age restrictions are largely conditional.
How to choose?
When choosing a bicycle model for your child, pay attention to such criteria.
- Tire Material They should be made of solid rubber, not plastic.
- Material of the main structure (frame and other details). Preferred aluminum models. Of course, they are inferior in strength to steel, but their weight is much less, and this is important for children's hands.
- The mass of the product. It depends on the material of which the base is made (see the previous paragraph) and the number of various additional accessories, such as calls, headlights, reflectors, etc. The child must, without any particular strain, lift his vehicle from the ground and roll it.
- Brake system. Usually mechanical pedal brakes are installed on children's bicycles.
- Circuit protection. On many models, the bicycle chain is protected by a special metal casing - to prevent the chain links and clothing parts (legs, laces, cloak edges, etc.) from clutching and subsequent injury to the child. The casing also protects the chain from excessive clogging, because when riding in open areas of the bicycle there are always traces of road dirt and dust, water drops and other rubbish, which impairs the quality of the lubricant and thereby can slow down or even stupor the chain.
- Optional accessories - wings, reflective elements, headlights, etc. Their presence is an additional plus of any model.
- Product design. Currently, many manufacturers are designing their models for the characters of various cartoons, so first find out from the child his preferences and tastes.
- Do not forget about protective equipment. Knee pads, elbow pieces, a helmet will help your baby avoid serious injuries in the event of a fall from a bicycle.
- And of course the price. Similar models from different manufacturers often differ greatly in cost. And if there is a cheaper product available, the other characteristics are in no way inferior to an expensive analogue, why pay more?
Having looked at the model according to these criteria, before making the final decision on the purchase, take the child to the store for a “fitting”. The length of the frame of the bike model should be equal to the distance from the elbow to the fingertips of the baby - for comfortable control of the vehicle. Check the height of the frame - it should be 8-10 cm below the crotch of a standing child.
Put the baby in the saddle and see if he reaches with his straight legs to the pedal in the lower position. Let him turn the pedals, and you will see whether his knees are too high up.
Check the seat and steering wheel height adjustment. In modern models, a convenient mechanism is implemented that allows you to choose the optimal height and angle.
Rating of the best light models
If we consider the top list of the best light cycle models with wheels with a radius of 16 inches, then it looks something like this.
- Royal Baby Freestyle Alloy 16. The weight of the product is 9,700 g. The frame and rim are made of aluminum, there are models for boys and girls. There are 2 brakes - rear pedal and front rim.
- Stels Talisman 16. The mass of the bicycle is 10 800 g. The rim is made of aluminum, and the frame is steel. There are girls and boyish options. One brake - classic rear foot pedal.
- Novatrack 161TETRIS. Weight - 9,700 g. The frame is steel, the rim is aluminum. There are models for girls and boys. The brake system is the rear foot.
- Black Aqua BA 01s. Weight - 9,000 g. The frame and rim are made of stainless steel. The model is designed for boys. The brake is traditional.
- MAXXPRO Sport 16. The weight of the product is 11,500 g. The base is made of steel, there are two brakes - the rear pedal and the front rim. There are options for boys and girls.
- ALTAIR KIDS 1. Weight - 10,300 g. Frame and rim - steel, brake system - rear pedal. It is presented in the market in various variations, suitable for children of different sexes.
- WELT PONY 16. One of the lightest models - its weight is only 7,900 g. The base of the structure is made of aluminum. Designed for girls. The brake is classic.
- Forward AZURE 16. Net weight - 11 100 g. The base is steel, the brake is traditional (rear pedal). Designed for both boys and girls.
- Nameless VECTOR. Weight - 10,000 g. The frame is made of steel and the rim is made of aluminum. There are models for boys and girls. The brake is rear foot.
Of course, this rating may change, because manufacturers are constantly introducing new models and modifications of already known prototypes.
Be sure to consider the opinion of the child when choosing - in the end, it is for him to sit behind the wheel!
In the next video, you will find a brief overview of the G-16810 bike with 16-inch wheels from the TM "Corso".
